Chocolates recalled after nuts contaminated with salmonella

A leading confectionary company has found traces of salmonella at its factory in Leicester.

Production was suspended on four plant lines at Fox's Confectionary on October 15 after traces of the bacteria were found in samples of chocolate.

The company believes the outbreak originated from a batch of contaminated Brazil nuts, which are used to make one of the brand's best known ranges "Just Brazils".

Although the outbreak occurred more than two weeks ago, the Food Standards Agency said it was confident that none of the affected stock has reached the public.

The discovery will be a blow to the company who describe the range as "Britain's best loved boxed chocolate nuts," and have recently launched an "impulse pack" aimed at everyday consumers.

When the chocolate company Cadbury found salmonella in its plant a year and a half ago, it had to recall one million bars which had been distributed to retailers.

The firm were criticised for the sloppy handling of the affair and were accused of acting too slowly to customer concerns.

Seven varieties of its Dairy Milk bars had to be recalled and Cadbury estimated that the disaster cost them £20 million.

To try and limited the damage to its traditional image, Cadbury had to temporarily suspended its advertising on ITV's Coronation Street, which it pays £10 million a year for until the incident had passed.

As none of Fox's affected range are believed to have reached store shelves, the company hopes that any damage will be minimal.

Mario Giannotta, chief executive of Fox's, defended the company's reputation and said: "This is the first contamination case in six years of production on the site and we have exceeded the test and cleansing requirements of the authorities."

Fox's are confident that the plant should reopen later this week. A spokesperson said: "After all the necessary equipment has been extensively cleaned, independent experts will carry out swab testing and analysis before declaring the plant clear of all contamination."